Illaria stepped into her father’s chambers and froze. Edric was already there, standing near the window, arms crossed. Robert sat on a chair beside the table, swinging his legs absentmindedly. All three of them were looking at her.
Something was wrong. Not dangerous—yet—but heavy.
“Father,” Illaria said at once, breaking the silence. “What happened? Why did you call me back so suddenly? Is everything fine? And why are you all staring at me like this?”
Ryan exhaled slowly and rubbed his temple. “I’m glad you’re back,” he said. “Gods… I don’t even know how to tell you this. Edric, you tell her.”
Edric shook his head immediately. “No, Father. You should. She won’t believe me if I say it.”
Illaria frowned, irritation creeping in. “Can someone tell me what is happening?”
Robert suddenly grinned, unable to contain himself. “Elder sister, you’re about to get married! I’m so happy for you.”
Illaria stared at him. “What?”
Marriage?
She was sixteen. And why before Edric?
Ryan shot Robert a sharp look. “Robert, that is not how you say it. The marriage hasn’t been decided.” He turned back to Illaria. “We’ve received a marriage proposal for you. That is all.”
Illaria didn’t hesitate for even a second. “Whoever it is, I decline. I’m not interested.”
Edric sighed. “Sister, we all knew you’d say that. But if declining were that simple, do you really think Father would have called you back like this?”
Illaria turned to Ryan. “I am the emperor’s daughter. And you are the emperor. Who is influential enough that we can’t even refuse a proposal?”
Ryan’s expression grew serious. “The proposal is from the Northern Kingdom. They’re suggesting a marriage between you and Lyn Neor—the son of the Northern Emperor and his second wife, Roslin Neor.”
Illaria’s eyes hardened instantly. “If it’s from the North, then there’s even more reason to refuse it. North and South are not enemies, but we are not allies either. We trade, nothing more. We do not interfere in each other’s politics. Why should a Southern princess marry a Northern prince?”
Edric nodded. “Father understands your feelings very well. He’s tried to decline it since the beginning. But the Northerners are clever. They’ve framed it as more than just a proposal. They want to discuss other matters as well. That’s why most officials in court believe we should at least receive them.”
Illaria’s gaze snapped back to Ryan. “They’re coming here?” Her voice sharpened. “When? Since when did you decide this without telling me? Father—have you already made decisions about my marriage without even asking me?”
Ryan stepped forward at once. “No. Never.” His voice was firm. “Illaria, if you don’t wish to marry, you won’t. There is no pressure on you. I know you’ll refuse. But the Northerners insist on meeting us, and the ministers believe refusing even a visit would be rude. It could strain our relationship with the North.”
Edric added lightly, trying to ease the tension, “Exactly. What’s the harm in meeting them? You can say no to their faces. And anyway…” He smirked. “You don’t like a single man in the entire South. Who knows—maybe you’ll actually like this prince?”
Illaria shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel. “Brother! How can you say that? I will never like those Northerners. What is there to like about them anyway?”
Edric shrugged, clearly enjoying this far too much. “Well, all three princes of the North are coming, and all of them have trained at Kelzar. Their strength should be at least equal to yours, if not greater. What’s so terrible about marrying someone like that? You like swords more than men anyway. Maybe you can marry him for the blade instead of the man.”
Robert nodded enthusiastically. “That’s true, sister. You’re already sixteen and you don’t even have a guy you like.”
Illaria glared at him. “Robert! You’re thirteen! Where did you even learn such nonsense? Go practice your sword more instead of talking about marriage.”
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Edric smirked. “But he’s not wrong, is he? And why do I feel like you’re blushing?”
Ryan’s voice cut through the room, sharp and commanding. “Enough. Will the three of you stop behaving like children?”
He looked at Edric first. “You are the crown prince. Act like one.”
Then at Illaria. “And you—your brother is partly right. I think you’ve decided you will never marry simply because I’ve given you too much freedom.”
Finally, his gaze fell on Robert. “And you haven’t even trained at Kelzar. Focus on your swordsmanship instead of meddling in your sister’s affairs.”
He folded his arms. “Now. All three of you, apologize to each other.”
“Sorry,” they muttered together, in varying tones of reluctance.
Ryan nodded once. “Good. Now listen carefully. Your marriage is not the only issue here.”
The atmosphere shifted, the teasing draining from the room.
“The people from the North will arrive by next week,” Ryan continued. “And we must be prepared for whatever calamity they may bring. I do not believe the North is visiting us merely to discuss marriage and trade. They have another objective.”
Illaria’s expression sharpened. “Could they be planning to enter our city and start a war?”
Edric shook his head immediately. “That’s not possible. They’re coming with around ten thousand soldiers. Our army—including the forces of our sworn families—numbers nearly five hundred thousand. They couldn’t win with such meagre numbers.”
Ryan nodded. “Exactly. Our defenses are strong. Even if they brought more troops, they would be stopped at the borders. There is no way they can infiltrate our land unless we allow it.”
Illaria frowned. “Then what is their objective?”
Ryan sighed. “I don’t know. I’ve tried to reason it out, but I’ve found nothing concrete. Still, remember this—while they are here, their safety is our responsibility. Illaria, regardless of how you respond to the proposal, no blood of the Northern royal family must be spilled on Southern soil.”
His voice hardened. “If that happens, the North would have the perfect excuse to accuse us and launch a war. Given everything that is happening, this is the only scenario I can imagine where they could force us into one.”
He looked at all three of them in turn. “You must remember—we are not prepared for war at this moment. None of you are to do anything that might increase tensions. And above all, war means bloodshed. That is something I wish to avoid.”
Edric frowned. “Father, why do you say we aren’t prepared? Our soldiers are well-trained and fully equipped.”
Ryan shook his head. “Edric, war is not just about weapons and numbers. Strategy matters far more. Right now, we are at a disadvantage. We don’t know what the North is planning, nor can we predict their moves.”
He continued calmly, but the weight of his words settled heavily in the room. “Wars can last days—or years. Our granaries cannot support a prolonged conflict beyond three months. Medical supplies, weapons, finances—these are all factors we must consider. And even then, an invasion is still only speculation. A conjecture. We have no proof.”
Silence followed, thick and uneasy.
Illaria inclined her head. “Father is right, elder brother. Acting rashly would be dangerous when we know nothing of their intentions. Father, you should have all our ministers discreetly investigate and try to uncover what the North is planning.”
Ryan let out a tired breath. “I already have. Every report I’ve received claims that everything is normal.”
His expression hardened. “In any case, the Northern emperor will arrive in a week—along with his three sons and ten thousand soldiers. The empress will not be coming, nor will any of his daughters. Illaria, I called you back because there is simply too much work to be done at the palace.”
He continued steadily, every word measured. “Even if they have ulterior motives, we must treat them with courtesy. Without proof, we will take no overt action. Our kingdom has always proclaimed that we do not raise arms against our neighbours unless absolutely necessary. Our reputation must remain intact.”
He paused, then added, “On the surface, we will behave as gracious hosts preparing for honoured guests. Beneath that surface, however, we will strengthen our security.”
Ryan turned to both of his elder children. “Illaria. Edric. The two of you will work together to ensure the palace’s safety. Watch for anything suspicious. If you find even the slightest irregularity, act on it and report immediately.”
His voice dropped lower. “Review our guards and their records. I want only trusted soldiers stationed within the palace. Eliminate any spies you uncover. I trust our ministers, but trust does not equal certainty—one of them could still be a mole. For this reason, keep ministerial involvement to a minimum.”
He looked directly at Illaria. “You will remain in the palace until the Northerners return home.”
Illaria nodded without hesitation. “Yes, Father. I understand.”
Robert shifted forward eagerly. “And what about me, Father? What should I do?”
Ryan softened slightly. “You’re still young. Your brother and sister will handle security matters. You can assist with preparations—arranging supplies, coordinating lodging, and helping accommodate the ten thousand soldiers.”
Robert grinned. “Alright, Father. Elder sister, for now I choose to believe they really did come just to marry you. At this rate, by next week you’ll be engaged. I’m so happy for you.”
Illaria shot him a playful glare. “I suppose you won’t stop talking about it until they leave, will you?”
Robert only smiled wider.